Warren Zevon, Sentimental Hygiene (Virgin-1987)
This is an artist I never really knew much about and to be honest I rarely had a chance to hear his music, but I can see why as his career has been rather unusual. He initially came to light in the very late 60s and the album "Wanted Dead or Alive" this album by his counts was a total disaster and he ten decided to leave behind his solo dream and took a job with the Every Brothers.
This job got him working with many in the music business and by 76 he got a second attempt at solo fame. But by his fourth (or 5th inc album in 69) album in 1982 the wheels had came off and drink took over his life. Rehab and then again working for others leads to this album. And I think it is his best work. And again another shot at a solo career was offered.
This album is really just a rock album but it has some little hints of folk and country. Some could even say it is more an alt rock album but essentially it is a great album.
The songs are nothing elaborate and I think that is how the album connects so well with me 'the Factory' a song about working for the boss six days a week catches anyone's attention as we have all done the crap min wage work. The song also has a nice touch in the harmonica is from Bob Dylan. This is not the only big name R.E.M. co write the song 'Even a Dog Can Shake Hands' and also provide vocals on the song 'Bad karma' again all done in the rock/folk style I feel is best suited to Warren.
My favourite track is 'Boom Boom Mancini' a song about the boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. It is as catchy as can be and a fantastic tribute as the boxer was involved in a match that killed his opponent, the death of Duk Koo Kim changed boxing forever as rules were changed to have less rounds and more medical involvement before the matches. Like Mancini, Warren has also had to rebuild his career after divorce and his label dropping him.
This album helped to re start his career and I feel it is his best album. He never got to the dizzy heights of 'Excitable Boy' (a 1978 Platinum seller) but it did gain him enough sales and respect to continue making albums all the way up to his death in 2003.
Warren Zevon managed to achieve a very rare thing in the music business and that is to last for five decades. His catalogue of 12 albums are all very good and for consistently never sell out to the hype of the time again another very rare thing indeed. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer his attention was on the music and in 2002 recorded 'the Wind' recognition came with three Grammy nominations and a win for best folk album.
This album was just under the radar a little I feel the inclusion of R.E.M. could have been a catalyst to help drive this album as they went global in 87 with the Document album. Virgin may well have dropped the ball but again another album for my list for us to enjoy.
Available as a re issue in 2003 here.
